“If you do not find within yourself that which you seek, neither shall you find it outside. If you ignore the wonders of your own house, how do you expect to find other wonders? In YOU is hidden the treasure of treasures. Know Thyself–and you shall know the Universe and the Gods.” ~ the Delphic Oracle

THE HERMIT is the archetype of unconventional wisdom, the INNER teacher, the shaman who dwells in the woods and gains advice by tuning into the Universe Within. This archetype deals with conscience, as well as visioning, imagination, inner journeying, and healing. We can call on our inner Hermit when we need to be studious, wise, effective, and creative. This is a wonderful archetype for writers, healers, and visionaries. What does your inner Hermit need you to know?  Kayleigh Jean of Falcons and Pentacles

Day 10: Who am I, REALLY?

Death – walking in the dark. I have learned how to navigate dark places, places on the edge of no return, and find beauty there. It has been a way of life — from my family of origin, to squatting in New York City, even to the way I create art – my process is one building and tearing down to building again before I can be happy with the results.

Death is about Self-development, taking those brave steps toward growth. It seems appropriately coupled with the Hermit, as often, to consciously change, we (I) need time and space alone to assess where we are (I am) at. With all the busy-ness of life, without turning inward, change may feel thrust upon us (me) rather than created by us (me).

The most recent example in my life has been the major decision to leave my university job after being there for five years. Each time I would try to upgrade my situation, get a promotion, get paid for what I actually do, I would turn along a dead-end path. I could not move forward in my life, did not have the space or energy for art and learning and relationships, before I made the decision to leave.

Death as Forgiveness – letting go. In recent years I have been experimenting with forgiveness and it has proven to be a source of freedom and evolution. There is strength and lightness in releasing what doesn’t need to be held any longer. Death makes way for new life.

Change (Death) is inevitable. Every time we create, we initiate change. Some part of the old way of being falls away to make room for the new.

(R)evolution.

Finally – I love Transformation. I love seeing people arrive to my classes in one state, and leave, at the very least, with a shift in energy and/or emotion. Faces have a different expression, bodies more relaxed. Change can be as simple, subtle, and powerful as taking five minutes to slow down and pay attention to the breath, to the sensations of air on skin.